In 2018, there were 7,713 large truck crashes in Wisconsin, and of those, there were 64 fatalities and 1,904 injuries. Passenger car drivers have a greater chance of getting hurt or dying if they get into a crash with a big truck. This includes semi-trucks, tractors/trailers, dump trucks, tanker trucks, hazmat trucks, or any vehicle that needs a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive legally. The main reason for this higher risk is that commercial vehicles, such as big trucks, are much bigger and heavier than regular cars and trucks. They also operate differently, which adds to the danger.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
- Distracted Driving
- Driver fatigue
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Improper loading
- Impaired driving
- High speed
- Log-book violations
- Breaking trucking laws and regulations, which include state laws and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
- Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) without a proper Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or the required endorsements (such as Tank Endorsements, HazMat Endorsements, Double or Triple Endorsements, Air Brake Endorsements, Passenger Endorsements, School Bus Endorsements, or Farm Service Endorsements) is considered a violation.
4 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Being a diligent and defensive driver is very important when you are on the road with large trucks. If you are a victim of a truck accident, make sure you do the following:
- Get medical treatment: this is the most important thing to do, and it is helpful if you go on the same day as the accident. There will then be a record of your injuries being related to the accident.
- Call the police: It’s important to report even small accidents. This will help you get a police report that states who the police think is to blame.
- Contact your insurance: to inform them that the accident happened
- Talk to an attorney: If you’re in a truck accident, talking to an experienced truck accident law firm like Habush Habush & Rottier for a free consultation can ease your worries and assist you in receiving the rightful compensation you deserve. They’ll guide you through the process and handle the legal matters on your behalf. Our law firm has a dedicated group of Truck Accident lawyers, including Peter M. Young, who brings valuable expertise to the team. Peter has twenty years of experience holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and working with large trucks and Commercial Motor Vehicles. This gives our team a special perspective and a thorough understanding of trucking claims.
Actions to Avoid After The Accident
After a semi-truck accident, it’s important to know what actions to avoid:
- Do not skip medical treatment: You may feel fine right away, but there could be injuries you are not aware of.
- Do not admit fault: make sure you give the facts to the police and don’t admit fault to them or anyone else.
- Do not make statements to insurance or sign anything until you talk with a qualified truck accident attorney.
How An Attorney Can Help
After an accident, there are so many things that you will need to take care of. If you are injured, that adds to the stress and can make everything seem that much more daunting. Contacting a truck accident attorney is always a good idea. Habush Habush & Rottier’s truck accident attorneys are available to meet with you for a free consultation. We will help you find the peace of mind you rightfully deserve.
